University of Hawaii creates HD distance learning network with Panasonic solutions

The University of Hawaii has turned to the '50 Series' IP video production system’ from Panasonic to facilitate new distance training options for more than 60.000 university center students.

The University of Hawaii has launched a powerful distance learning system that is based on the 'Series 50' video production system.’ of Panasonic for content generation. This videoconferencing structure allows more than one 12 percent of those over 60.000 University students can complete their undergraduate and graduate studies remotely by participating in an interactive telepresence system from a local campus of their choice.

The Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) University of Hawaii has made a large-scale investment in Panasonic equipment as it transitions to high-definition distance learning operations, including 17 pan cameras / tilt / Integrated AW-HE50S HD zoom with HD outputs / SD-SDI , 6 AW-HS50N sub-compact live switchers with integrated multiviewers and 6 AW-RP50 remote camera controllers. In addition, have also acquired 94 Panasonic professional displays for classrooms, the control rooms, and production work, including six TH-65PF30U plasma displays from 65 inches, 38 TH-58PF20U de 58 inches and 11 TH-50PF30U de 50 inches, y 32 displays LCD TH-47LF20U de 47 inches and 7 BT-LH1710 LCD production monitors 17 inches. The University also has a Polycom RealPresence videoconferencing system.

Según Royd Liu, ITS Video Operations Manager, “once we make the decision to upgrade to HD, we knew we wanted a more compact overall system, but with broadcast production quality as mandatory since we also use the equipment to produce live shows that are broadcast on the university's public access channel”.

Complete solution

Liu started his equipment search by looking at HD switchers. “We were thinking of something small and profitable”, has pointed. “We saw a demo of the HS50N and liked its compact design, weighing just over four pounds, and the fact that it offers Multiviewer. With features like low signal keyer (DSK), auxiliary bus, transitions and a very attractive price, the HS50N seemed ideal. Offering the switch together with the HE50S camera, that has bread / tilt / zoom and Full HD image quality, and the RP50 controller, Panasonic has been able to provide us with a complete solution when we thought we would have to deal with three small manufacturing companies.”.

They have been established 4 production studios on the Mānoa campus to create instructions that can be taken at any of the 10 University campus locations spread across six Hawaiian islands. Liu explained that the studio in each classroom is equipped with three HE50S cameras and six professional screens.. An HS50 switch, an RP50 controller and an LH1710 are located in an adjacent control room. 3 Additional studies have been created at Maui College, that can create and receive instructions.

Royd Liu has explained that “due to the geographical limitations of our State made up of a multitude of islands, Distance learning is a priority for the University. With the Panasonic HE50 series, we have placed ourselves at the forefront of HD telepresence services in education. We have freed up space in our classrooms and reduced our carbon footprint across the State.. With the HS50N Multiviewer, that allows us to see even 10 images on a single screen, Now we only need one monitor for each control room, which achieves impressive savings in terms of equipment needs and energy consumption.”

“IP control delivers powerful performance across multiple sites. Specifically, we have the ability to control the HE50S cameras at a certain point remotely, increasing the possibility of work efficiency and contribution to global system economies”, added Liu. “We chose Panasonic professional displays over televisions because in our classrooms 30 feet per 40 feet we needed pristine viewing quality for all students, something that the wide viewing angles of the displays provide. Besides, we are using the screens up 10 hours a day, six days a week, so robust and reliable performance is required. It was clear that Panasonic met our rigorous requirements at the most affordable price. “